Effects of UVR on eyes

The effects of UVR on our eyes can be serious.  The type of UVR may come from tanning lamps – UVA, arc welding equipment – UVC, or reflected UVR from snow, water or beach – usually UVB.  The typical reaction is: after a few hours the eyes will feel irritated and gritty with profuse watering.  Spasms of the eyelid may make it difficult to keep them open and light will cause severe discomfort.  These feelings usually last up to 48 hours until the burnt surfaces of the conjunctiva and cornea are regenerated.

Prolonged exposure to solar UVR can lead to cataract formation.  A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye.  Also, exposure to UVB in the first ten years of life has been found to be a significant factor in the development of Pterygium and cancer of the eye surface.  Pterygiums are roughly triangular fleshy membrane growing on the clear covering over the white of the eye which crosses over on to the cornea and begins to cover the clear cornea, interfering with vision.

Recent research indicates that the rate of eye cancer has risen as the hole in the ozone layer has widened and our exposure to UVR increased.